Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her ongoing interest in the NBN. Yesterday was another very important day in the rollout of the National Broadband Network and, more importantly, for those Australians who will rely on the satellites to provide a level of service and a price that is affordable. Whilst the National Party has rolled over to the Liberal Party in supporting a project that Senators Joyce and Nash once claimed as their own, I am happy to report that none other than the National Farmers Federation have recognised what this announcement means for regional and remote communities. Mr Jock Laurie, the NFF president, responded to our announcements by not only welcoming it but coming out and saying that it was very positive. He said:

We welcome the commitment from the Government, and their acknowledgement that those who live in rural, regional and remote areas should not be disadvantaged when it comes to telecommunications.

The NFF believe that one of the keys to their success has been their commitment to presenting innovative and forward-looking solutions, and the Gillard government strongly believe that the NBN is indeed an innovative and forward-looking solution for the nation. I said it yesterday and I will say it again today: there is only one party that is committed to delivering and guaranteeing the same price for the same service regardless of whether you live in the city or the bush. We share Mr Laurie's view: 'We’re looking forward to the day when all Australians have equal access to telecommunications.'